Plant wildflowers in early fall
Ricky Thompson

Many gardeners are finding a choice garden spot for colorful East Texas wildflowers, whether it be a sunny pocket among existing perennials, or entire meadows. The charm of carefree, ever-multiplying wildflowers is enjoyed throughout Texas, where more than 5,000 species exist.

Early October is a great time to plant wildflower seeds. Local gardeners may choose seed adaptable to the East Texas area. Colorful wildflowers for East Texas: bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, cornflower or bachelor's button, firewheel or gaillardia, standing cypress, primrose, Drummond phlox, and many others.

Many perennial wildflowers are now available at garden centers. Planting by seed makes for good mixers with other garden perennials and annuals. Popular wild perennials: verbenia, Sweet William, aster, coreopsis, winecup, mallows, larkspur, wild ranunculus, violets, rainlillies, liatris, spiderwort, and black-eyed Susan.

Although easy to grow, most wildflowers demand a late summer, early fall planting in prepared soils for best results. Soils should be free of weeds and grasses, lightly cultivated and leveled prior to planting.

The seed should be covered

with 1/4 inch of soil and firmed in. The bed should be gently watered due to late summer heat and drought; routine watering will help insure germination. A light mulch helps conserve water and protect seed and seedlings from heat.

The popular bluebonnet, state flower of Texas, is a legume (like beans). The seed case is very hard, and will demand aging and weathering for it to germinate. The seed should be soaked three to four days in warm water, changing the water each day.

The seed coat may be roughed on pavement with a brick to facilitate germination after soaking. Plant the seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Firm the soil over the seed. Water well, but gently. Bluebonnet seeds may germinate in 7-10 days and for many weeks after planting. If you have little success in getting the hardheaded seed up, you can get Bluebonnet transplants from your garden center.

Ricky Thompson is the county extension agent for Jasper Count. 271 E. Lamar, or call 384-3721.